Practiced slurping ramen at Zen Box Izakaya. Earlier today, Japan’s Prime Minister announced his country will be open to independent tourists, starting October 11. Two weeks after that I get to use a ticket to Tokyo purchased optimistically in February.
Category: Japan
Travel Predictions
I’m betting Japan’s prime minister will announce this week when the country will open for independent travel. Booked MInneapolis to Tokyo in June for us, a nephew, and his dad. There’s one other passenger on the outbound, and no-one else on the return flight. That will change and prices will rise.
Asia Beckons
Posted Asia Beckons. I’ll be visiting Asia in October, but where in Asia? The Japanese government will decide.
Asia Beckons
Sometimes, when I need a little Japan fix, I walk to neighborhood Zen Box Izakaya or cycle to Moto-I or Tori 44. As I walk in to any of these establishments, the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) always beckons. Although the maneki-neko is a Japanese creation, it has been adopted all over East Asia. Right now it’s… Continue reading Asia Beckons
Sights, Sounds, Tastes
Dwight’s in Fargo visiting his mom, so I “went” to Japan. After age gyoza then tonkotsu ramen with a side of Japan Times at a local izakaya, walked back past wedding parties striking poses, and sports fans in no hurry to get to the game. Back home, streamed an emotional, visually expressive manga movie filled… Continue reading Sights, Sounds, Tastes
A Trip to Asia
Craved Japan, cycled to masu for comfort food. Japan is still closed to independent travelers: I’ve cancelled 3 trips to Japan in the past year and may have to cancel a 4th in October. Just in case, I’ve also booked a nonstop to Seoul in October.
Backpacking in Japan With Our Nephews: Day of Arrival
Next summer, we’re exploring Japan with our teenage nephews and their dad. In a previous post I wrote about the backbone of our trip: flights from Minneapolis to Tokyo, Fukuoka to Sapporo, and Tokyo to Honolulu. I’m now starting to flesh out our journey within Japan. Arrive Haneda Airport We’re scheduled to arrive 1:45 p.m.… Continue reading Backpacking in Japan With Our Nephews: Day of Arrival
Backpacking in Japan with Our Nephews: Flights
We’ve been traveling long-haul with our nephews since they were babies. In this photo, the taller one, C, is almost 4 and the smaller one, sitting in a car seat, D, is 2½. I almost called this post “Backpacking in Japan with Kids…” but thought better of it. Next summer, when we travel with C… Continue reading Backpacking in Japan with Our Nephews: Flights
Japan 2022
I’m in high gear planning travel. Made the first reservation for a summer 2022 backpacking trip to Japan with our nephews (they’ll be 12 and 13) and their dad. We’ll explore less popular, more remote areas. On the way home, we’ll spend time in Hawaii where their mom will join us.
Cliffhangers
Found a cure for exercycle boredom: a TV drama series, made in Japan, set in an industrial Hokkaido town. It snows a lot, people get murdered, and the protagonist, manga-style, periodically gets sent back in time to put things right. The cliffhangers bring me back. Deep.